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Sweets, and toys, on 3rd.
  By Jocelyn Berkhahn ~ Wausau Daily Herald
  10-14-2007

Sweets on 3rd in Wausau is known for its variety of candies. What people might not know is that the store goes beyond stocking sweet treats and sells goods that will help entertain kids for hours.

Shop co-owner Nina Ricciardi is carrying a new line of toys by Maple Landmark, a family-owned toy manufacturer based in Vermont. She was compelled to add the line in recent months after a variety of other toys have been recalled for possibly containing lead.

"The toys at home always made me nervous," Ricciardi said. "Selling toys here has been a happy surprise for customers."

Ricciardi, who has a 14-month-old daughter Evelyn, said knowing the items are American made and have a lifetime guarantee is a bonus.

The store, at 615 N. Third St., carries rattles, colorful letters, banks and a handful of bookends and pull-alongs.

The name trains are individual letters available in a variety of colors that connect together using magnets.

"You can spell out your child's name or whatever with these," Ricciardi said.

Rattles are modeled after an old European toy and come in two sizes and eight colorful designs.

Wooden banks can be personalized with a business or person's name.